Guppy with Betta?

[puplove52]

Hi everyone I am new to this forum. I would like to know if a betta fish could live peacefully with one guppy.

[Kytkattin]

Guppys are social fish and need to be kept in schools of 5 or more, so a direct answer to your question would be no.

It should also be noted that anything under 10 gallons should not be shared with anything except shrimp or snails, or another betta if the tank is divided.

Edit: as for the success of people keeping guppies with betta fish, there are dramatically different results. Some bettas will attack the guppies for their flashy colors. So generally, success will depend on the temperament of your betta. If you do decide to try this type of tank is is strongly recommended that you have another tank set up and ready to house either the betta or the guppies as things can go south quite quickly. This might be different for a female betta and guppies, but again, it all comes down to temperament for the individual fish. And of course these fish could all be living together for months and then you come home and the betta has decided to eat everyone else in the tank.

[puplove52]

what about an Apple snail?

[aemaki09]

Apple snail would work, don't recommend guppies though, they are so brightly colored that bettas are pretty likely to attack, I've tred and failed in all my tanks

[fishy314]

It depends on the bettas and the guppies, apple snails are a yes.

[emeraldmaster]

no apple snails are on the same boat as the guppies, it is a matter of the betta's personality. I personally have had much success with the guppies, but then again i have a never ending supply in the form of a breeding tank. Out of the 7 betta that i have cared for, only one attacked guppies, he attacked the short finned males which i thought was odd... So simply put, the on;y way to know is to try it. Guppies want a little space an a few friends, like any schooling fish, if you call what they do schooling. And the betta needs room too. I care for a ten gallon at a cousin's house that does have bettas and guppies, fancy ones at that. The two never bother one another. So it is doable, I make her do more water changes though to keep up with the bioload. Sorry for the blabbing, I breed guppies and love bettas, so i had to say my mind.

[ninjaqutie]

I was curious about this too. They always say avoid fancy guppies, but I love the colorful guppies. I was wondering if those would be a problem. I guess the bottom line is buy one and try it and if it is okay, then add more?

[fishy314]

Originally Posted by ninjaqutie

I was curious about this too. They always say avoid fancy guppies, but I love the colorful guppies. I was wondering if those would be a problem. I guess the bottom line is buy one and try it and if it is okay, then add more?

Monitor them for the first 30 mins or so. Seperate them at the FIRST sign of aggression.

[callistra]

Snails are really dirty. Don't suggest you share one in anything less than 10, but for sure 5g

[fishy314]

@above That doesn't make sense, really. How come you can't keep then in a 10 if you can in a 5?